I had a great race at the 2010 Dallas Jingle Bell Run 5k this year. I ran 18:50 which was a personal best. The battery on my Garmin 305 died before the race, but the timing stations at each mile were a lifesaver to keep me on pace.
I felt like I was running at a nice easy pace through the race even though I knew I was pushing it pretty good. I passed a guy who was pacing his friend and his advice was to keep the stride like a training run but at a tougher pace. I could only pick up bits and pieces of the conversation but what I did come away with helped me keep good form through the race.
By the end of the race I was ready to cross the finish line. The cheering fans from the start to finish were awesome. This was a night race and it was awesome to see all the fans along the route. My lungs were about ready to burst into flames by the finish as I watch the clock tick closer and closer to 19:00 minutes.
I crossed the finish line in 18:50 and couldn't have asked for a better race. I think all of those long slow miles I ran while training for the Marathon really paid off in speed and endurance!!!
